PREPARE FOR WARDROBE TURBULENCE

Heartfelt goodbyes. Reunions. And sweatpants. Airports have become the best place on earth to see the world’s worst fashion. In the good ol’ days, flying was a big deal and travellers put on their finest garb. But as air travel has become more common and accessible, it has also become acceptable for people to dress as if they’re nursing a hangover and binge watching Law & Order in their parents’ basement when they’re flying. Socks and sandals, unbrushed hair, shirts the size of tents and the aforementioned sweatpants are NOT travel chic.

I get that flying often means long hours and little sleep, but is that an excuse to throw hygiene and respect for your appearance out the window? Going from one place to another doesn’t mean you should abandon all sense of decorum. Airports, after all, are not our living rooms.

And besides, there are advantages to caring about your appearance. Fashion designer Carolina Herrera once pointed out that well-dressed people get better service from flight attendants. And who’s more likely to get bumped to first class: the traveller in a suit or the one wearing pyjamas?

Airports are also celebrity hotspots. I’ve seen both Snoop Dogg and Jessica Chastain while travelling abroad and you know what? BOTH OF THEM LOOKED AMAZING. For the majority of those around them, I can’t say the same. Do you really want to meet Ryan Gosling in a stained camp t-shirt and velour track pants? Stars understand that wherever they go, people are looking at them – a mindset that travellers would do well to adopt.

And there’s no reason you can’t combine comfort and style. For women, a chic airport outfit can consist of cozy leggings and a fashionable wool sweater, paired with leather flats. Men can throw on a cotton dress shirt and dark jeans with a pair of loafers. Add a sleek carry-on to any look, and voila! You suddenly look like your everyday self. So please, travellers, next time you head to the airport, take a serious look at yourself in the mirror. If you look like you shouldn’t leave the house let alone board a plane, reconsider your outfit. Don’t leave your wardrobe up in the air.